Brain landscape with a vibrant path symbolizing stroke recovery.

Post-Stroke Apathy: Can the Right Rehab Program Make a Difference?

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals that the Motor Relearning Program may be more effective than the Bobath approach in preventing apathy after a stroke. Find out why this matters for recovery."

Apathy, characterized by a lack of motivation, is a common and debilitating condition experienced by many stroke survivors. It's more than just feeling down; apathy significantly impacts recovery, hindering a person's ability to engage in rehabilitation and daily life. Recognizing and addressing apathy is, therefore, crucial for improving long-term outcomes for stroke patients.

Traditionally, stroke rehabilitation involves various physiotherapy approaches, including the Bobath method and the Motor Relearning Program (MRP). The Bobath approach focuses on normalizing muscle tone and movement patterns, while the MRP emphasizes task-specific training based on motor learning theory. But which approach is more effective in preventing apathy?

A recent randomized controlled trial investigated this very question, comparing the effectiveness of MRP and the Bobath approach in preventing post-stroke apathy. The findings offer valuable insights for clinicians and stroke survivors alike.

Motor Relearning Program: A More Effective Path to Recovery?

Brain landscape with a vibrant path symbolizing stroke recovery.

The study, published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, followed 488 patients who had experienced a stroke. These patients, who initially showed no signs of apathy or depression, were divided into two groups. One group received physiotherapy based on the Motor Relearning Program, while the other received the Bobath approach. Researchers then assessed the patients for apathy over a 12-month period using the Apathy Evaluation Scale-Clinical (AES-C).

The results revealed a significant difference between the two groups. Patients who participated in the Motor Relearning Program exhibited significantly less apathy compared to those in the Bobath group. In fact, the study found that participants in the Bobath approach were 1.629 times more likely to develop post-stroke apathy over the 12-month period.

Here's a breakdown of the key findings:

Reduced Apathy: The Motor Relearning Program led to a significant reduction in apathy severity compared to the Bobath approach.
Lower Risk: Patients receiving the Bobath approach had a higher risk of developing post-stroke apathy.
Active Participation: The Motor Relearning Program emphasizes active participation and self-reliance, potentially boosting motivation.

These findings suggest that the Motor Relearning Program may be a more effective strategy for preventing post-stroke apathy. This approach focuses on helping patients actively relearn motor skills through specific tasks, encouraging them to take charge of their recovery.

The Road Ahead: Personalized Rehabilitation for Stroke Survivors

This study offers valuable insights into the importance of choosing the right rehabilitation program for stroke survivors. While the Motor Relearning Program shows promise in preventing apathy, it's essential to remember that every individual's recovery journey is unique. Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms behind these findings and to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from the MRP approach. By understanding these factors, clinicians can develop more personalized rehabilitation plans that address both physical and emotional well-being, paving the way for a more complete and fulfilling recovery for stroke survivors.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2018.11.011, Alternate LINK

Title: Comparison Of Motor Relearning Program Versus Bobath Approach For Prevention Of Poststroke Apathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Subject: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Journal: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Liping Chen, Siqing Xiong, Yi Liu, Meiqing Lin, Lu Zhu, Renjia Zhong, Jiuhan Zhao, Wenjing Liu, Jirui Wang, Xiuli Shang

Published: 2019-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is post-stroke apathy, and how does it affect stroke recovery?

Post-stroke apathy is a debilitating condition characterized by a lack of motivation, significantly impacting recovery for stroke survivors. It goes beyond simply feeling down; it hinders a person's ability to engage in rehabilitation and daily life activities. This lack of motivation can make it difficult for patients to actively participate in programs like the Motor Relearning Program or even the Bobath approach, slowing down their progress and potentially leading to poorer long-term outcomes. Addressing apathy is, therefore, crucial for improving overall recovery and well-being for stroke patients.

How does the Motor Relearning Program (MRP) differ from the Bobath approach in stroke rehabilitation?

The Motor Relearning Program (MRP) and the Bobath approach are two distinct methods used in stroke rehabilitation. The Bobath approach traditionally focuses on normalizing muscle tone and movement patterns, aiming to facilitate easier movement. In contrast, the MRP emphasizes task-specific training grounded in motor learning theory. This means the MRP helps patients relearn specific motor skills through focused exercises and active participation, potentially enhancing motivation and self-reliance compared to the Bobath approach.

What were the key findings of the study comparing the Motor Relearning Program and the Bobath approach in preventing post-stroke apathy?

The study revealed that the Motor Relearning Program (MRP) was more effective in preventing post-stroke apathy compared to the Bobath approach. Patients in the MRP group showed a significant reduction in apathy severity. Conversely, patients in the Bobath group were 1.629 times more likely to develop post-stroke apathy over a 12-month period. This suggests that the MRP's emphasis on active participation and task-specific training may be more effective in maintaining motivation and engagement in rehabilitation.

Why might the Motor Relearning Program be more effective in preventing apathy than the Bobath approach?

The Motor Relearning Program (MRP) may be more effective in preventing apathy because it emphasizes active participation and self-reliance, which can boost motivation. By focusing on task-specific training, the MRP helps patients relearn motor skills through active engagement. This approach encourages patients to take charge of their recovery, potentially fostering a sense of accomplishment and increasing motivation. The Bobath approach, while beneficial in its own ways, may not provide the same level of active participation and task-oriented focus as the MRP, which could explain the differences in apathy prevention.

How can clinicians use the study's findings to improve stroke rehabilitation plans?

Clinicians can use the study's findings to develop more personalized rehabilitation plans. The study suggests that the Motor Relearning Program (MRP) may be a more effective strategy for preventing post-stroke apathy. However, it's crucial to remember that every individual's recovery journey is unique. Clinicians can use these insights to explore which patients are most likely to benefit from the MRP approach, and combine it with other therapies such as the Bobath approach. By understanding these factors, clinicians can develop more tailored plans that address both physical and emotional well-being, paving the way for a more complete and fulfilling recovery for stroke survivors.